Another reason for new gun laws: Letters to the Editor for Friday, Jan. 14, 2013

Your editorial on gun violence mentioned similarities between the Newtown and Santa Monica shootings. Let's not forget the 1999 North Valley Jewish Community Center shooting where my daughter Mindy, who was 16 at the time, was shot twice in the leg. She survived. That shooting was similar: A person with a history of mental illness obtained a semi-automatic weapon and shot more than 70 rounds in a matter of minutes. Since that shooting, the federal assault weapons ban expired. Congress hasn't moved to pass any meaningful, effective gun control legislation. The mass shootings continue. It's time for citizens to let their congressional members know they support expanded background checks which would help prevent these kinds of all too frequent tragedies.

- Donna Finkelstein, Chatsworth

Benghazi scandal worse than Watergate

Re "Three controversies add up to nothing of consequence" (Letters, May 31):

Benghazi and the cover-up are far worse than Watergate. Four Americans are dead because of President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's dereliction of duty. The Associated Press situation is a direct assault against a free press - the core of our freedom. The Internal Revenue Service targeted the Tea Party which is totally unacceptable.

- Tom Spencer, Sylmar

Bob Hertzberg vows to make voters proud

Re "Hertzberg must earn the voters' support" (Editorial, June 12):

The editorial assumes that without competition in the race for state Senate, candidates won't have to test their ideas or prove their qualifications. With all due respect, it was presumptuous and flat out inaccurate. My attitude about this race is the complete opposite. As I have throughout my career, I'm rolling up my sleeves, working my heart out, and planning to fight for every Valley vote. Since leaving government, I've never stopped dedicating my energy toward working on California's problems. I helped change the redistricting laws, helped make primary elections open, helped change how state budgets are passed, among other reforms.

I was sickened by the dismal turnout in the May election. My goal in this campaign is to increase turnout the old-fashioned way - meeting face-to-face with as many folks as possible. Campaigns are about ideas, elbow grease and earning voters' respect. Nobody knows what the future brings, but I'm not going to wait on the sidelines for others to jump in this Senate race. That's why I'm running an aggressive campaign that's focused on putting forward big, bold ideas about how to fix our state. I'm not taking anything for granted. I plan to run like I'm behind, regardless of whether or not others enter the race. If I'm lucky enough to be selected by the voters, I will make them proud.

Since I have some baby bunnies wandering around in my backyard, I can relate to the situation. But why is the attacker, Norma Pluma, still residing in the United States? According to the article, she has been charged in the past with three counts of illegal entry into the country. What is the penalty for entering the U.S. illegally? If deportation, why isn't it enforced? Shouldn't there be stringent penalties for those re-entering the country after being deported? With the U.S. Senate now proposing comprehensive immigration reform, why should we expect anything our legislators write into law will actually be enforced?